The Silence Of Bonnaventure Arrow (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
I loved this book. I connected with Bonaventure, and I could really feel the descriptions of the sounds he heard, and his thoughts and feelings on them. There were a couple of scenes that left me feeling pretty distressed. The author also made the supporting characters into whole people without overdoing the exposition. I really really loved it.I did, however, have some issues with the use of the Magical Negro/Magical Nanny tropes, but ... the story takes place in 1950s New Orleans. I would have been a little shocked if at least one of those tropes didn't show up in some form. This novel was incredibly well-written and very captivating. I was shocked at the end by how all of the characters' lives were intertwined with one another - in ways I never even thought about! I definitely loved the character of Bonaventure Arrow, because he was such a sweet and innocent boy, who just wanted acceptance and love. I also enjoyed the character of his mother, Dancy, particularly in how she managed to raise her son alone and after facing the tragic loss of her husband. The grandmothers were so different, yet intriguing at the same time. The author used really poetic language, but it wasn't too obscure or flowery that you couldn't follow what she was saying. I definitely recommend this book to others. I picked it for my book club night, and all of the ladies thoroughly enjoyed it!
What do You think about The Silence Of Bonnaventure Arrow (2000)?
This was phenomenal. The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow has become one of my favorite books!
—Bianca
